Relief softened the tightness in Kiva’s shoulders the moment he answered. Not because the answer was particularly reassuring (it wasn’t) but because he’d spoken at all. For a fleeting moment she’d wondered if the two of them simply weren’t going to understand each other. His admission earned a quiet, crooked smile. “Well… that’s both reassuring and completely unhelpful.” The words carried an easy humor despite the situation.

Her ears flicked toward the direction he indicated when he mentioned the river, committing it to memory before her attention returned to him. “Thanks. Good to know.”

When he introduced himself and instinctively lifted a paw, Kiva blinked before a laugh escaped her. It wasn’t loud, only warm, the sort that slipped out before she could stop it. She glanced at one of her own forepaws and flexed her toes experimentally.

“I almost did the same thing.” The awkward little moment somehow made everything feel a fraction less frightening. Then his question drew her gaze to the bundle of herbs resting beside her.

“Eh, not terribly long,” she answered, nosing lightly toward them. “These were supposed to make it to another village.” She gave a small shrug. “I thought I’d just wandered off the trail somehow.” A beat passed before she looked back at him.

“I’m starting to think that explanation doesn’t really hold up anymore. What about you?”